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This course examines New Zealand geology in a regional and global context of tectonics, climate, and oceanographic events. Topics covered will include tectonics, resources and the geological development of New Zealand. The course aims to develop student’s research, presentation and written communication, and geological synthesis skills, and to build an understanding of New Zealand geology relevant to our future. This course is seen as a capstone course for BSc students, and useful preparation for those going on to postgraduate study.
This course examines New Zealand geology in a regional and global context of tectonics, climate, and oceanographic events. The lectures aim to provide a broad basis of related scientific framework on a general scale as well as place New Zealand into the global context. Students will draw on their existing knowledge of geology to examine and assess key questions in New Zealand geology. Students will also complete an individual literature based research project at improving presentation and scientific writing skills. Topics covered will include tectonics, resources, and the geological development of New Zealand and will be covered in discrete modules through the course, and students will be expected to complete reading assignments associated with lectures. The course aims to develop student’s research, written and oral communication and geological synthesis skills, and to build an understanding of New Zealand geology relevant to our future.
Goal of the CourseStudents should gain an understanding on the major geological processes that shaped New Zealand through a discussion of the tectonic development at convergent and divergent plate margins and be able to critically assess and utilize geological evidence and place New Zealand into a global context. Learning OutcomesStudents successfully completing this course will be able to:Evaluate the tectonic evolution of New Zealand and the role of plate boundary dynamicsEvaluate selected Cenozoic palaeoclimate events and their likely causes, and explain their expression in New Zealand rocks Articulate aspects of the petroleum characteristics of New Zealand basinsInterpret, critically assess aspects of New Zealand resource geologyPrepare and present poster and extended abstract on an individual topic as preparation for future tasks in the workforce or during postgraduate studiesEvaluate the scientific literature and its contribution to advancement of science.
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Any 45 points at 200 level from GEOL.
Week # Week starting Lectures Labs TBC 29 13th July Introduction CMR No lab30 20th July NZ Basement terranes CMR Library research session31 27th July NZ Basement terranes CMR ASC 1 – Poster development32 3rd Aug Palaeogene/Neogene development of New Zealand CMR ASC 2 – Writing skills33 10th Aug Chatham Rise phosphorite and glauconite CMR Poster presentation (10%)34 17th Aug Pliocene to recent palaeoseismic records CMR No lab - extended abstract due (10%) SEMESTER BREAK 37 7th Sept To be confirmed KNB No lab38 14th Sept To be confirmed KNB No lab - topical paper review 1 due (10%)39 21st Sept Hikurangi Margin JRP No lab40 27th Sept Hikurangi Margin JRP No lab - topical paper review 2 due (10%)41 5th Oct Pacific Arc ARN No lab42 12th Oct Pacific Arc ARN No lab - topical paper review 3 due (10%)
Catherine Reid and Alex Nichols
Jarg Pettinga and Kari Bassett
In the first half of the course internal assessment in GEOL357 is based around an individual literature based research project which will be presented both as a poster (10% of course assessment) and an extended abstract (total 10% of course assessment). In the second half students will be given a geological research topic relevant to New Zealand, complete a literature search, and provide a brief summary, and justification, of the two papers they feel are the most significant to the advancement of the field.Assessment Name Weighting Due DateResearch poster & presentation 10% Week 33 (during lab time)Extended abstract 10% End Week 34NZ topical paper review 1 10% End Week 38NZ topical paper review 2 10% End Week 40NZ topical paper review 3 10% End Week 42Final exam 50% In year-end exam period
Course readingWeekly reading to be advised and students are expected to complete this reading in their own time. The lecture material and the provided reading will be assessed through written essays in the final formal exam
TimetableLectures: one lecture per week Practicals: 2.5 hour tutorial or practical sessions as timetabled (see weekly planner)Prerequisites45 points from GEOL240-246. GEOL351 and GEOL352 are highly recommended.
Domestic fee $900.00
International fee $4,250.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
This course will not be offered if fewer than 30 people apply to enrol.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment on the departments and faculties page .